News Release

Tuesday, April 3, 2001

Murder Suspect Arrested

"MURDER SUSPECT ARRESTED"

Canoga Park - On January 15, 2001, at approximately 7:30 p.m., 18 year old, Juan Manual Garcia was murdered while standing in Lanark Park with three of his friends. Two suspects approached them and asked them if they were affiliated with a street gang. Garcia and his friends responded with no affiliation with a street gang. One suspect, later identified as 19 year old, Dustin Housley, and a resident of Sun Valley, pulled out a semi-automatic pistol from his waistband and began shooting at the group. Garcia was struck in the back and succumbed to his injuries at Northridge Hospital. His three friends were not injured.

The following day, a similar shooting occurred at Desoto Street and Valerio Avenue in Winnetka. The suspects matched the description of the suspects from Garcia's murder. The suspects fired several rounds at three victim's in a passing car, but no one was injured. Ballistics evidence confirmed that the same gun was used in both incidents.

On March 29, 2001, West Valley Detectives, served a search and arrest warrant at Housley' Sun Valley home and recovered the possible murder weapon. Housley was arrested at the location and was booked for Murder at West Valley Jail.

Housley has been identified as a member of a small gang centered in the Chatsworth Area.

Additional suspects are being sought at this time and anyone with any information please contact West Valley Homicide Detectives A. Purdy and S. Park at 818-756-8553.